Reclining chairs.
Posted , 13 users are following.
As I am about to go for my first hip replacement March 6th I have been looking for a recliner to buy. I was wondering if the power ones that bring the foot part up for you are a good idea or should I get the type that I control with the handle at the side?
Thanks,
Carrie
1 like, 40 replies
denise79180 Carrie1974
Posted
I found it hard to operate a recliner. Plus they have to be the right height. Also hard to get out of while keeping the less than 90degree angle rule. You can perhaps get the electric version and get an OT to raise yr chair with the appropriate blocks. Really comfy once you're reclined tho.
Haha. I needed help getting out of mine the first few weeks. My husband went to bed and forgot. Lol I had to phone him from my chair. !
Carrie1974 denise79180
Posted
Haha that's funny. Thanks Denise. What do you mean by an OT to raise the chair? Occupational therapist?
denise79180 Carrie1974
Posted
Yes. That's it. The chair needs to be a certain height so yr 90 degree angle rule is not gone over. Depends on yr own height.
Carrie1974 denise79180
Posted
t3chiman Carrie1974
Posted
Carrie-
Recliners can be a big help in the early post-op days. However, they do have their quirks and risks. For instance, the mechanical, lever-on-the-side, models are quite simple and reliable, but can be awkward for a smaller person to activate. And the lowering mechanism can require a fair amount of pressure from your legs, in order to get the footrest moving downward.
Electric, motorized, recliners address the shortcomings of mechanical chairs. A simple button push, and your are on your way to a relaxed position (or an upright one, of course.). Better all around for a recent THR surgery patient. One risk factor: a power failure can leave you in an awkward position, perhaps for a longer time than is healthy. Best to keep a cell phone on your person (i.e not on the lamp table oh-so-close-but-unreachable when you are staring at the ceiling.).
Certain powered chairs can boost you to a semi-standing position. These are just as comfy as classical recliners, with the added benefit of sliding you a bit forward so you don't have to use stomach and upper leg muscles to get out of the chair.
Hope this helps.
Carrie1974 t3chiman
Posted
Thank-you Chipman. I'm going to go try some out at the Brick on Monday. I assumed the ones with the lever on the side wouldn't require you to use your legs so that's good to know. I was looking at the ones that mechanically raise the foot rest part, not the ones that raise you fully. Never considered what to do in a power outage though. That could be awkward...lol
hippy28 Carrie1974
Posted
Personally I wouldn't bother with the extra expense. I'm 7 weeks post op and have managed very well on my own settee. I had it raised to the correct height by the occupational health people and was shown how to get up correctly using my crutches for support. I also have a stool in front of the settee but to be honest I never used it.
Good luck with your op.
I hope its as successful as mine had been.
Carrie1974 hippy28
Posted
michael11283 Carrie1974
Posted
Carrie
I bought an electric one on ebay for £60. It has a footrest. Bit short for me as I am 6ft5 but I love it. As do my grandsons.
Mike
Carrie1974 michael11283
Posted
michael11283 Carrie1974
Posted
Carrie
My one raises the seat and practicality tips you out if you want. The back reclines and the footrest comes up. It also has massage and heat but I'm not wild about those features.
My living room furniture doesn't have arms and I was ok when I had the hip done but i'm likely to be non weight bearing for a bit so I thought this was a good idea.
Very comfortable
Mike
Carrie1974 michael11283
Posted
Thanks Mike. I'll make sure to have a look at all the mechanical ones😊
judith12644 Carrie1974
Posted
Hi, I didn't bother with one. Like Hippy28 my sofa was raised to the correct height anyway, and when I wanted to put up my feet, I used a pouffe which was fine. Good luck with your op.
Carrie1974 judith12644
Posted
Thank-you Judith 😊
dorothy04749 Carrie1974
Posted
i used blankets rolled up for any dip at the back of my sofa and then piled on furniture lounger cushions till I had the right height. Need a fairly firm sofa to do that though but really good cheap way of getting the height, comfort and flat level needed.
Regards Dot
Carrie1974 dorothy04749
Posted
Thanks Dorothy😊